St. Paul’s United Church
Our Mission: Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, and Serving Others in Christ’s name.
From the desk of Rev. Michelle…
As we draw closer to the end of the church year and the beginning of Advent, now might be the perfect time to think about how you want to shape your Advent/Christmas Season. Being intentional about the season can help prevent you from coming to December 25th and feeling like you missed the awe-inducing, soul-satisfying mystery that comes with the season. Have you ever found yourself on December 24th exhausted and worried instead of overjoyed?
To-do lists that never end, debt that piles up, and our own expectations of what this season “should be” drag us down. A few years ago, I came across the book Advent Conspiracy by Rick McKinley, Chris Seay, and Greg Holder. This book advocates for a different path through the holiday season instead of the now-traditional consumer Christmas. One that will help make Christmas more meaningful.
They advocate we take our lead from the Christmas story itself. In doing this the Authors came up with 4 simple tenets of the Advent Conspiracy: Worship Fully. Spend Less. Give More. Love All. While they are simple, they have the power to change us and the world.
It starts with worshiping fully because Christmas is about Jesus. Worship Fully brings our focus back to God’s presence. From this rooted place in Christ, we are grounded to face the pressures of the season to buy, buy, buy, and thus we are able to Spend Less on the things that really don’t matter. It may sound counterintuitive to spend less and give more. Give More invites us to shift away from consumer giving and giving of ourselves like Jesus did. It is a call to share our time, talent, and presence with people we love, to let that be the gift we give. Finally, is the Love All, just like we are loved by God. We are encouraged to reach out to the hurting world and give some of the money we saved by buying less to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need.
Last year, I took my first steps toward being more intentional, in Giving More. It started with more time for Ella and Reid. Last year I invested in an advent book calendar and carved out time to share the story with them, even on nights when I had to go back to work. It became a delight for all of us to snuggle together and slow down. I also learned to make lefsa, like my grandmother used to make. This handmade gift was greatly appreciated by my sister and father as we reconnected with memories. For my mother and brother, I gave fewer store-bought items and added a donation from the Gifts With Vision catalog that connected with their interests.
I invite you to join the Advent Conspiracy by reading the book, checking out the website https://adventconspiracy.org/ and making one small change this Christmas season. One way you could give of yourself is by participating in the Christmas Pen-Pals. See the announcement below. Another would be to shop locally, like at the UCW Bazaar this Saturday.
Let us pray,
Loving God help us to be attentive,
To see you at work in the world and hear your small voice calling us.
Loving God help us to be intentional,
To respond to your presence in ways that honour you and spread your Good News.
For you are our God,
Seeking the best for us, calling us into relationship,
holding out your right hand encouraging us to follow.
Give us strength and courage to try different and new paths
Which lead to joy and blessing. This we pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Featured In This November 16th Edition of St. Paul’s eNews
Worship This Sunday November 19th
Christmas Bazaar Saturday!
Wilmot United Church Rainbow Brunch
Congregational Meeting
Christmas Angel Tree
Become A Christmas Secret Pen Pal
Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers are selling wreaths
Brown Bag Lunch Program
Pantry Program
Downtown United Project Update
Simpático: Music for Cello and Guitar
Laughing All The Way Comedy And Carols Show
God’s Story, Our Story
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Carols By Glowstick
Christmas Bazaar at Marysville United
Breakfast & Christmas Market At Gibson Memorial
Charpentier’s Messe De Minuit Pour Noel
FundScrip
Memorial Tree Lighting Service
Advent Carol Festival Returns!
A Ceremony Of Carols
Songs Of Jubilee Organ Recital
Upcoming Dates To Remember
Worship This Sunday November 19th
Please join us for our Memorial Hymn Sing service at 10:30am on November 19th
Can’t join us in person, join us via Zoom:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81834519740
Meeting ID: 818 3451 9740 Passcode: 657067
Christmas Bazaar Saturday!
Please join the ladies of St. Paul’s United Church (UCW), on the corner of York and Charlotte Streets, for our Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, November 18th from 9am to 12 noon. There will be Baking, Crafts, Books, and Puzzles. We have made 450 mls (2 cups) of Mincemeat selling for $15.00. Sit and relax with a coffee/tea and muffin. Come out for a fun morning and meet some friends. Donna Chauvin 506-458-5885. Donations of gently used items and baking are welcome and can be dropped off at the church Monday-Thursday between 8am-3pm and Friday between 8am-1pm.
Christmas Bazaar At Nashwaaksis
Nashwaaksis UCW is holding a Christmas bazaar is this Saturday, November 18th, 9am-12pm. If you have Silent Auction items, they can be left at the office this week. Bake and craft items may be dropped off between 1-3pm or 6-7:30pm on Friday, Nov. 17th (back door please). We will have assorted sweet trays, pickles, jams, soup mixes, quilted items, books a Silent Auction and much more. Your continued support is much appreciated.
Wilmot United Church Rainbow Brunch
Please join Wilmot United in celebrating seven years of being an Affirming Congregation. A Rainbow Brunch will be held on Saturday, November 18th in the church parlour. This is a potluck brunch and members of Wilmot’s LGBTQ+ community and their allies invite you to join us. Coffee will be ready by 10:15 and brunch will be served at 10:30. Hope to see you then. If you have questions or need further information, please contact Deb or Rita at 506-206-2948.
Congregational Meeting
After Service on Sunday November 19th at noon, there is a congregational meeting to provide an update on the work that your leadership team has been doing over the last month. The Board, Trustees, and others have been reflecting on our current situation, and gathering information and discerning paths to address our challenges. The Board and Trustees will share their recommendations with the Congregation. We hope you will join us in person; however, Zoom will be available. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84415883435 Meeting ID: 844 1588 3435 Passcode: 987775
Christmas Angel Tree
Thank you to Santa’s helpers for your generous support of this ministry outreach. Your gifts of toys, games, clothing and gift cards will bring much joy and happiness to 40 children whose families are being looked after by the Greener Village/Fredericton Food Bank this Christmas. If you missed getting an angel from the St. Paul’s tree, you may want to visit the Regent Mall where the big Tree of Angels will be set up this week. Thank you again for caring and sharing. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
Become A Christmas Secret Pen Pal
Advent is quickly approaching and while there may be a whirlwind of planning and activity, we are inviting folks to become a part of a Christmas secret pal connection over the four weeks of Advent. This is an exciting connection between Wilmot and St. Paul’s and it is open to all! What we ask is that you provide your REAL name and address to the office of either church. These will be collected and sorted by the Wilmot Faith Formation Team with folks who wish to participate. On December 3rd, you will receive your secret pal name and address and for the next four weeks we encourage you to send one note or card or letter each week of Advent. The great reveal will take place on Christmas Eve via email. Here are some suggestions as to what you might wish to consider in your questions or responses: Please note age-appropriate responses matter. Please tell your secret pal a little about yourself using your nickname. What is your favorite part of the Advent season? Can you share a Christmas memory that you love? What do you hope for this year? ~ Rev. Mary Tingley and Mary Lynn Cameron
Grandmothers Helping Grandmothers are selling wreaths
Nancy MacGarvie is selling wreaths from her porch 83 Grey St. Double sided balsam fir: decorated $18, UNDECORATED $15. The deadline for orders is Sunday November 19th. The pickup is Sunday November 25th. To place your order, please call Nancy at 455-3026 or email Nancymacgarvie@rogers.com Proceeds are in support of African grandmothers in conjunction with Stephen Lewis Foundation and Help Lesotho whose needs are as great as ever.
Brown Bag Lunch Program
This week, the program needs proteins with flip top lids, granola bars, and plastic spoons. Thank you for your continued support and generosity of this program.
Pantry Program
The Pantry program needs the following items this week: laundry detergent, paper towel, Mr. Clean, Kleenex, waxed paper, comet, toothbrushes, dish detergent, pudding cups, Corn Flakes, Rice Krispies, oatmeal, Miracle Whip, baked beans, flour, coffee, cookies, soda crackers, peanut butter (smooth & chunky), sugar twin, juice boxes, Cheez Whiz, and tea. Thank you for your continued support of this increasingly busy outreach program!
Downtown United Project Update
The final presentation and recommendations from the Downtown United Project will be presented on November 26th. Following our Downtown United Service, join us for a fellowship meal and facilitated discussion. The note from the consultants Note to DTU Congregations and the full report DTU Recommendations Report are available on our website under the Downtown United tab https://www.stpaulsunited.ca/downtown-united-project/. Print copies can also be obtained from the office if needed. Coming to the discussion familiar with the report will be helpful, as there will be a vote to adopt recommendations 1 & 2.
Simpático: Music for Cello and Guitar
Please join Emily Kennedy and Steven Peacock in a unique celebration of the many textures and expressive possibilities of music for cello and classical guitar This 75-minute recital happens at 3pm on November 26th at Wilmot United Church and includes works by Vivaldi, Ravel, Villa-Lobos and Gnattali, together with compositions and arrangements by Steven Peacock, including a few familiar and less-than-familiar seasonal arrangements to close the program. Admission is by voluntary contribution to the Wilmot United Church Benevolent Fund.
Laughing All The Way Comedy And Carols Show
A Christmas Comedy and Carols experience for the whole family! Thursday November 30th from 7-9pm at Nashwaaksis United Church, 46 Main Street. Laughing All The Way comedy show featuring Comedian Leland Klassen and Nashville recording artist Dan Macauly, brings an evening of standup comedy, Christmas carols, musical silliness and improv. This one-of-a-kind Christmas event is designed to be friendly to all- young and old, church attenders or not. It is only one of 3 to be held in our province. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Please contact the church office at 506-458-9452 for more information or to purchase tickets.
God’s Story, Our Story
Pick up this reflection guide at the back of the sanctuary to use as a home devotional or with your own small group of friends.
Bible Study on Sunday Reading
Tuesdays from 10:45am-11:45am in the Board room. This is an opportunity to engage with our scripture and listen to God speaking. Can’t make it in person, Join by Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81736183320 Meeting ID: 817 3618 3320 Passcode: 750844
Evening Small Group Faith Exploration
Thursdays from 6-7pm in the Parlor. This group is for those seeking to grow in their relationship with God through scripture, prayer, and action. We hope you will join us.
Carols By Glowstick
It’s back! Christmas Carols by Glowstick returns on December 1st from 6-7pm. Join us in the historic and beautifully decorated sanctuary of St. Paul’s United Church, 224 York Street, as we set the mood for the season to come. An evening of magic and joy will be yours from the moment the sanctuary lights dim, and your glowstick is snapped. As brightly coloured lights fill the sanctuary, and the music starts, you are invited to join in singing the songs of the season. This all-ages family-friendly evening invites your young ones to dance in the isle, wave their glowstick, and enter into the story of Christmas with joy. We will sing a mixture of traditional Carols and fun Christmas songs, providing something for everyone. Your ticket includes a glowstick for each person in your party and apple cider. Want more glow? Check out this year’s exclusive Eventbrite ticket add-ons.
Ticket Prices: Online at https://www.eventbrite.ca: Single Ticket: $5.50 plus service fees, Family Ticket: (Max. family of 4) $20 plus service fees. Tickets can also be purchased by cash or etransfer at St. Paul’ s Office. For questions or more information, please contact St. Paul’s Office at 506-458-1183. Don’t miss out on the fun, get your ticket today.
Christmas Bazaar at Marysville United
The Marysville United Church UCW are having their Christmas Bazaar and Turkey a la King take out on December 1st, with cream cheese squares. $10. Pick up is 4 to 6 p.m. Call the church office to order in advance. 506 450-3082.
Breakfast & Christmas Market At Gibson Memorial
Gibson Memorial United Church at 183 Gibson St., will be hosting a Breakfast & Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 2nd, 2023, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m. The Breakfast will be from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at $10/person. The market tables will feature Christmas cards & crafts by Lori Donovan, a church table with baking, pickles & knitting and a Book & Puzzle table. Everyone is welcome!
Charpentier’s Messe De Minuit Pour Noel
Inside our Church and out, this Christmas Season promises exciting and spectacular musical events. On December 2nd at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Church Cathedral, the Bel Canto Singers of Fredericton will present Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noel with full orchestration from the Elm City String Quartet. Other acapella pieces include pieces by Mendelsohn, Lauridsen and others. Tickets for Bel Canto are $25 General/$10 Student. Tickets are available online, at the door and from choir members Jane Blakely & Debbie West.
FundScrip
Countdown for Christmas! Deadline for the next gift card order… and the last before Christmas… is Sunday, December 3rd. Convenient for last-minute shopping and welcome gifts for family and friends! If you usually purchase grocery store or gas cards, you may want to order extra cards in December as there will not be an order in January. The first order in the new year will be in February. Order forms are available in the church office, in the Narthex or click here December 3rd FundScrip Order Form. New supporters always welcome! Remember: Shopping is fundraising for St. Paul’s.
Memorial Tree Lighting Service
McAdam’s & Oromocto Funeral Homes know that for many among us, the approach of the holidays will bring bittersweet memories of those who won’t be with us at this special time of year. As families gather, thoughts of loved ones who have died will often bring both smiles and tears. Though they may be gone they are very much alive in our hearts, especially during the holidays. Once again, we are pleased to host an evening of comfort and remembrance in our chapels, as we pause to reflect on the season and those who have shared seasons past. The annual Memorial Tree Lighting Service will be held at Oromocto Funeral Home on Dec 5th at 7pm and McAdam’s Funeral Home in Fredericton on Dec 6th at 7pm.
Advent Carol Festival Returns!
For years it has been the musical event that marks the start of the Christmas season in Fredericton! We missed it during COVID but on Wednesday, December 6th, the Annual Advent Carol Festival returns to St. Paul’s United Church at 224 York Street. Beginning at 7:30 p.m., the program will feature both new and familiar Christmas selections. Ten church and community choirs will take part, each singing a favourite carol or seasonal song. The choirs will also unite for a mass sing and the audience will be invited to join in the festive singing, too! Come enjoy the music of the season in our beautifully decorated sanctuary and show your appreciation to the choirs, their directors and event organizers for over 30 years of commitment to this annual tradition. A freewill offering will be received for the CBC’s Feed a Family Campaign to support area food banks. Donations in past years total more than $100,000.
A Ceremony Of Carols
Fredericton Choral Society presents Benjamin Britten’s “A Ceremony of Carols” at St. Paul’s United Church on December 9th at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 General/$10 Student. Tickets are available online, at the door and from choir members Jane Blakely & Debbie West.
Songs Of Jubilee Organ Recital
Please join Dr. Sharon Pond, organist at St. Paul’s United Church, for an organ recital at the church on Sunday, December 10th at 2:00pm. Songs of Jubilee will feature music of joy in a variety of genres… Baroque, Classical, Romantic, post-Romantic and contemporary… half of it being Christmas selections. There is no admission fee for this event; a freewill offering will be received to support the music program at St. Paul’s. A reception will follow in the church hall.
Upcoming Dates To Remember
November 18th ~ Christmas Bazaar from 9am-12pm
November 19th ~ Memorial Hymn Sing Service ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by the Simpson Family
November 26th ~ Downtown United Service at St. Paul’s at 10:30am ~ Followed by lunch and a Downtown United Presentation
November 28th ~ St. Paul’s Mans the Salvation Army Kettle at Regent Mall ~ 10am-8pm
December 1st ~ Carols by Glowstick at 6pm
December 3rd ~ Advent 1 Service with Communion ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by Brad & Erin Webb
December 6th ~ Advent Carol Festival at 7:30pm
December 10th ~ Advent 2 Service ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by
Mel & Barb McGuigan & Debbie Allison
December 10th ~ Songs of Jubilee Organ Recital at 2pm
December 17th ~ Advent 3 Service ~ Fellowship Hour hosted by
Rachel & Stephanie Lavigne & Beth & Shawn Meister
St. Paul’s United Church
190 Years of Glorifying God through Worship, Proclaiming the Gospel of Christ, and Serving Others in Christ’s name
Contact Information
224 York St., Fredericton, NB E3B 3P1
Web: www.stpaulsunited.ca | Tel: 506-458-1183 | Email: stpaulsoffice224@gmail.com
Minister: Rev. Michelle Armstrong | Organists: Dr. Sharon Pond & Alexis Ervin
Church Administrator: Meghan Roebuck | Custodian: Rusty Blakely